5.3 - Interacting with others in play

Believe it or not, your child started interacting with you the minute they saw you, looking at you, reaching for your finger, gurgling at you.

There are many ways you can help your children interact with other children but remember there is no right or wrong answer about how and when they develop their skills. It is quite normal for children to play alone or alongside other children when they are young.

Spending time with peers in nursery, in the park, at soft play centres, and in the home helps your child to learn how to be a friend and empathize with other children, how to take turns, how to devise and carry out games and how to develop their play skills. Children need to learn what makes his or her peers sad, cross or happy, and these responses will dictate how your child behaves in the future. These are skills that we support your child to learn through interactive routines and activities, allowing their confidence and knowledge to grow in a safe, happy, exciting environment. And you can do the same at home and while you are out and about!